UNI 101: Library Scavenger Hunt (Spring 2022): Library Online Tips & Hints

Question 16: Search the library's catalog for resources on South Dakota. Provide the keywords or terms you searched as well as the number of search results provided. 

Question 17: Using the search from above, what "Format" types are available for you to choose from? List three (3) format types available through your search.

Question 18: Using the search from above, refine your search results by adding limiters. List two (2) limiters used and the number of search results now available. 

Question 19: Using the results from the above search, choose one resource that you are interested in. List the Title, Author, and Source Type (book, article, video, etc.). 

Vocabulary to Know

Catalog: a list of books and other materials in a library.  Materials can be located physically within the library or digitally online. 

Search Terms: the words or phrases searched (like what you would put into a Google search)

Limiters: filters used to narrow the number of search results presented.  Common and useful limiters include date of publication, material type, full text, peer reviewed, and language. 

Material Type or Resource Type: the format materials are presented in (for example book, eBook, journal article, photograph, etc.)

Permalink: a URL or web address that is always available to use and find (even if the webpage or information moves).  Allows people to use a URL link without worrying it will be broken and not work in the future. 

How to Search the Library Catalog

• Start at the Library's Homepage.  
  • There are two ways of searching the library's catalog. You can either type directly into the search box and hit search, or you can access the library's catalog by clicking on the "Library Catalog" button in the Quick Links. 
• Type in your search term(s) and hit enter.
  • Search terms can be a title, author, keywords, or subjects.

Using Limiters to Find Materials 

• On the left-hand side, you will see "Refine This Search"
• Select which format you would like to search
  • You can choose Articles, Books (both eBook and Print Books), Videos, Magazines, and more. 
• Select the Publication Year
  • This allows you to limit your search by year.  For most academic articles you want to limit to the past 10 years.

Question 20: Go back to the library's homepage and find the "Database List" button located under Quick Links. Select the databases that are listed under Popular Databases.

Vocabulary to Know

Database: collections of online academic journals that you can search for articles. Databases are often subject-specific. 

Popular Database: databases that are frequently used by DWU students and professors.

Librarian Pick: a database that is recommended by a librarian for a specific subject.  By beginning your search in a Librarian Pick database in your subject area will result in more usable search results appearing. 

Finding the Database List

The McGovern Library provides access to over 100 databases for you to use. To find the full list of databases:

• Start at the Library's Homepage
• Locate the Quick Links located on the right-hand side of the homepage
• Click on the Database List button

Go Directly to the full Database List

Narrowing Your Database List Selections

Finding the right database to search within is a vital part of conducting research.  There are several ways to narrow the list of databases to choose from.

1. Limit by Subject
   • Use the dropdown menu for "All Subjects" to narrow your your databases by subject.
   • Some databases are listed under more than one subject.  These databases are multi-subject databases and provide a wide range of resources for you to use. 
2. Limit by Type
   • Limiting by type narrows your databases down by material type most commonly provided within. 
   • Limits can include newspaper, government documents, films, primary sources, and more. 
3. Popular Databases 
   • Scroll through the list of Popular Databases on the A-Z Database List Homepage.
   • These databases are the most frequently used by professors and your fellow students. 
4. Search by Name
   • If you know the name of the database  you would like to search, you can find it by letter or by typing in the name of the database in the search bar. 

Question 21: Go to the InterLibrary Loan Guide.  What is an InterLibrary Loan and why would you request one?

Tips & Hints

Check out the "What is an InterLibrary Loan?" section on the guide's homepage.

Additional Information 

InterLibrary Loans are available for all students to use.  You can request materials through the library's catalog and databases.  Physical materials (books, DVDs, etc.) usually take 5-10 days to arrive at the library.  Digital materials (academic articles) usually arrive within 3 days.